BMW shows first official images of electric M3 concept

BMW has released the first official images of its electric M3, after many camouflage shots, ahead of a full reveal later this year. The car is still being described as an M concept, but the article says it looks very close to production and is based on BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform, already seen on the i3. The reveal comes as part of the lead-up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The concept features a more aggressive front bumper, twin square headlights at the corners, yellow daytime running lights that will become standard on M models, 3D lighting, and a hood with a V-shaped air outlet. In profile, it has new center-lock wheels in blue and red to echo the performance division’s colors, new M side mirrors, and a new Monza red paint finish.

Inside, BMW says it is using nubuck leather for the first time in a production-related concept, covering the steering wheel, doors and central tunnel. The dashboard is wrapped in fabric with ambient lighting shining through it. The cabin also gets a new M steering wheel with dedicated red controls, bucket seats trimmed in Merino leather, blue and red accents, and red four-point seat belts.

BMW has not yet released full powertrain details, but it says the car will have four electric motors and a powerful control computer designed to distribute torque precisely to each wheel for maximum dynamics. The battery will be larger than 100 kWh, reflecting the model’s expected high energy consumption.